REQUIRED GEAR
Required Gear on Rivers (single day)
- Always carry a paper map and compass in waterproof bag.
- Life vest for each paddler
- Extra paddle
- Line or rope suitable for towing.
- Ground crew to follow you on the Missouri River for re-supply or emergency as it is a self outfitted float
- A motorized boat to accompany you on your float of the Missouri and Arkansas is advised.
- Never float alone on rivers that have little traffic.
- For night travel: Full red/green/white navigation lights as required by Coast Guard.
- Survival kit
- First aid kit
- 12 hours worth of water including cooking need
- Water Treatment
- Electronics
- Minimum Shelter kit
- Essential Camp Knots and Hitches
- Leave No Trace
- Sun block
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Umbrella
Required Gear on Trails(multi-day)
Here is a list of things I learned the hard way. It is not an exhaustive list of all the things you pack for a day hike, overnight adventure, or a week long thru hike. Review the you tube videos above for more detailed information.
Who am I!
- Know your possible bail out points to reach main roads where you may have cell coverage and/or where you might get assistance from passersby.
- Remain Hydrated! Keep water easily accessible while hiking. Use and carry a water filter.
- Follow the blazes, horse droppings, logs cut from trail,and other signs to stay on trail. Learn how to bushwhack from above video.
- Leave your jewelry at home
- Wear eye protection, Wear eye glass straps, carry extra pair of prescription glasses, Take both clear and tinted lenses.
- Carry and use as necessary a Mesh Head Net.
- Break in your footwear! Wear new shoes you will be hiking in everyday for a week.
- Pick the correct shoes! Thick soles or shoe inserts that protect you from stone bruises.
- At least a thumb width of toe room in your shoes.
- Take short shakedown trek with full gear and adjust load as necessary.
- Familiarize yourself and Practice using new gear. Be prepared!
- Two Hiking poles to steady yourself for uphill and downhill paths, and through rock gardens.
- Dress in layers, do not wear cotton. Pick the correct socks.
- If crossing major streams take sandals or wear trail runners. I wear wet suit booties to keep feet warm!
- Wear whistle, bear bells, and neck knife around your neck or attached to pack strap for emergency use.
- Take fire starter, para cord, bank line, water filter, space blanket
- Take Tea Tree oil and Witch hazel Natural Astringent
- Repackage everything (food, meds) in portions needed for the duration plus 1 day
- Pack some Ibuprofen (vitamin I) or other pain reliever
- Buddy up and split the load. Share a tent, share first aid items, share survival items
- Use ziplock baggies to portion out your foods, organize small items into groups, protect paper maps, dryproof clothing, and etc.
- Sun block
- Hat
- Umbrella
More Basic Information
I have found Dixie and the Corporal have the most complete information about experiencing the back country safely.
Homemade Wanderlust
Corporals Corner
Shakedown Hikes
Near St. Louis - MERAMEC STATE PARK
Near Southeast Missouri - USDA Victory Horse Trail Map
Near Little Rock - Big Brushy Creek Day Use
